When I first opened this book, I can certainly say that I wasn’t expecting a piano to steal the show. However, Merlyn, an old, weathered instrument, ended up being one of my most favourite things overall. Dickinson gives it a presence so rich and emotional that it felt like its own character. When Merryn finds Merlyn abandoned on the street, something in the story seems to shift. It becomes an unspoken anchor between the past and the present, and when Zach plays for Merryn under the stars, it feels like Merlyn speaks for them both, saying all the things they can’t quite find the words for.

Merryn is a wonderful leading lady, strong in the softest of ways, piecing her life back together with determined resilience and a heart still daring to hope. Her café, Sweet Reverie, is nestled in the heart of St Ives and becomes a place of healing, not just for her but for anyone that finds themselves enveloped in its cosy warmth. And then there’s Zach, whose brokenness feels so real, so human, yet never defines him. The way his story slowly unfolds beside Merryn’s is tender and patient. It’s a dance of two people that weaves through the narrative, pulling the reader into a story about connection, second chances and how music can say what words sometimes can’t.

And Then There Was You is not just a love story. It’s about reconnecting with who you are and healing old wounds, to show how even an unexpected note in the night can set everything in motion. It’s uplifting, soulful, and full of charm, to remind you that the heart always finds its way home. Sometimes through music, sometimes through love and sometimes through an old piano with a name.

I really enjoyed this novel. It was easy to follow and had a great cast of characters. plus the pacing was just right. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
🧡 Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Miranda Dickinson’s newest novel has quickly become my favourite of all her works. It captures that signature warmth, magic, and charm we expect from her, all woven into a truly unique and captivating story. Set against the stunning backdrop of Cornwall—a place Miranda clearly adores—the setting feels alive with vibrant characters, cosy cafés, and charming local businesses. You can tell she draws inspiration from real-life experiences and places she’s encountered.

What a beautiful story. Loved every word. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Merryn is a delight, Zack is amazing, Seth is fab, Ruthie is exactly the kind of friend everybody needs! Such great characters, and a happy ever after that’ll leave a lump in your throat. Highly recommend this one!

An abandoned piano is the catalyst for Merryn to change her life, hopefully for the better. A product of a troubled upbringing, Merryn loves living in St Ives though and once she finds the piano, everything begins to spiral a little out of her control, but perhaps that's just what she needs; maybe she'll even be able to play her piano once more?
This is Miranda at her best, bringing people together and discovering that love is worth fighting for.
My thanks to HQ and Netgalley for the reading proof.

This was lighthearted and charming, maybe not particularly memorable but a good beach read which skipped along. While the chemistry was great, there was not a great deal of believable emotional depth. However, fun and I would happily read the author again.

Merryn owns a cafe by the seaside.
One day she meets Zach a young man and is instantly attracted to him.
A charming feel good story.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Two lonely people. One song to change their lives…

Merryn Rowe adores her life in St Ives. The café she owns and the community she serves are her much-needed second chance after a heart-breaking divorce. But as she gazes out at the Cornish Sea, she begins to long for more.

Zach Trevelyan is not where he expected to be. His surfing career in tatters following an injury, he finds himself in St Ives without a home, a job, or a path ahead.

When Merryn discovers an abandoned piano, it evokes long-lost memories of someone who left her life without a word – her much-loved stepfather. Impulsively, she gives the piano a home in the courtyard of her café. And late one night, when a familiar song comes through her window, Merryn discovers a striking man huddled at the piano.

Loved the setting, but I was not fully invested in the two main characters, or the romance. To be honest, and perhaps this is my age (late forties), but I felt the story was very twee. Drama made out of things which weren't all that dramatic. The ending was abrupt with some loose ends left. Enjoyed the piano theme. Not my favourite book by this author. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely lighthearted book. Nice story with nice characters. Emotional parts and some funny parts, worth a read

It's always a great pleasure to sit down with a brand new Miranda Dickinson novel and this was a particular joy.

Set in St. Ives, I would say that Merlin is the central character to the whole story, and yet he is an inanimate object. But one that infuses memories and longing and hope wherever he ends up!

Merryn is the one that saves Merlin from an uncertain future, and sets him up in the courtyard of her cafe, and it's this which leads to her both stepping up the search for someone that was in her past, and also to opening up in the evenings too, thus growing her business.

She has a few other key men in her life, best friend Seth and newcomer Zach. We get chapters from Zach's point of view and I fell for him really quickly, although at times I was wishing he thought more!

I was totally enchanted by the story being told between these pages, and while I was reading on the tube on my way, I was shocked at how many stations I had no idea we had stopped at, as I was totally absorbed in the story.

There is romance, there is friendship, there is a wonderful pregnant character, there's music, baked goods (ok loads of baked goods), surfing, and even at one point I had a lump in my throat at the emotion of a moment took over.

I love these characters, and also loved the recurring friendly faces from Somewhere Beyond the Sea, which as a fan of the author I always like to see old characters pop up!

Utterly fabulous and perhaps one of my favourite books from this always talented author.

Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,

Miranda Dickinson always creates a world you can immerse yourself in with characters that soon become your friends and And Then There was You is no different. I adored the vibe, the romance and community within this story. Set in St Ives, it was an ideal holiday read or 'I need a hug and escape from reality' book. It wrapped me up with warmth as I read it.
I am a huge fan of Channel Fours' The Piano for its emotional connection music brings to the musicians and those listening. The joy, heart-break and emotions the piano can convey were captured on the page when Merryn drags an abandoned piano to her cafe.
This book had everything needed in an emotional romance, protagonists with depth, simmering chemistry and a cast of supporting characters that make the novel seem real. This will be one I'll reread over and over.

I really enjoy books by this author, I like the writing style and how the characters are crafted. This was a delightful read and one I’d definitely recommend

3.5 stars!

this was a really sweet story, i did enjoy it but i don’t think i felt fully invested in it or the characters, but it was cute!

thank you to netgalley and hq for this arc!!

What a moving story. Told in chapters by different people . Not my favourite way of reading but it worked. Very emotional at times. Set in a beautiful Cornish setting. Two people who are lost fall in love through a piano . Some good twists .Loved the baker and the cafe . Some good characters.. Not sure about the ending. I wanted it neater. A great read though .

2 lost souls that are struggling to move in completely from things that had happened to them in the past. Both of them needing to heal. Zach had an accident in his surfing career that meant that he could no longer do his dream job, he is currently sofa surfing, and has no job. But the kindness of the village is all that's needed to give him a second chance. Merryn is still dealing with the events that happened in her childhood, the disappearance of the only person who she thought of as a father figure means that she is no longer able to play the piano that she loves. One drunken night stumbling home with a friend she finds an abandoned piano in the street, could this be the thing that helps to heal both Merryn and Zach? Will it bring them both together? And heal the things that make them feel lost? And will they be able to find their missing pieces and live happily ever after? And could those missing pieces be found in each other?

This is a lovely feeling good romance that is the perfect feel good read.

A beautiful story set in St Ives in Cornwall, which is told from the point of view of the 2 main characters, Merryn and Zach. Merryn is searching for her stepfather who has been missing for most of her life. Zach is trying to rebuild his life after an accident ends his surfing career and the 2 of them come together over their shared interest in an old piano which is found dumped in the street. As always, the path of true love does not run smoothly but this beautifully told story had me hooked from the beginning.

I was enjoying this book, the beautiful Cornwall setting, the interest of the piano and the mystery, however it just didn't quite give me the ending. Too many things felt unresolved and I was annoyed by the end of it.

I love loe this book from the descriptions of St Ives to the beautiful cafe the descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was there at the beach at the cafe.
My favourite characters were the guys both zacy and seth were my faves. I really enjoyed the story of Merryn and rebuilding her life after her ex ruined it AND Zacy homeless and looking for work. Both meet through thejr love of music when Merryn finds a piano and zach hears it being played. I love their nights together where he plays for her when no one else is around and the ending was so lovely

I have read several of Miranda’s books so was happy to receive an advanced copy of this. It did take me a while to get into it but I persevered and I did really enjoy it. There were quite a few characters but the main 2 were Merryn and Zach. Set in St.Ives in Cornwall,I do like a seaside book. Merryn runs a cafe but had a hard childhood with a mother who didn’t look after her. Zach was a pro surfer but got injured and doesn’t know what to do with himself. There is plenty going on with the main characters and the others,you must read it to find out if Merryn and Zach get their happy ever after. You won’t be disappointed.